WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 247

An act relating to the regulation of the disposal of plastics and the sale of consumer products containing microplastics

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Wendy Harrison and 4 co-sponsors

S.247 limits microplastics in consumer products and sets disposal rules for plastics to reduce environmental contamination and enforce compliance.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 247

Summary of Bill S. 247 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • S. 247 is an act relating to the regulation of the disposal of plastics and the sale of consumer products containing microplastics.
  • The bill aims to address environmental and public health concerns by restricting certain plastic disposal practices and by prohibiting or limiting the sale of consumer products that contain microplastics.

Key provisions and changes (proposed)

  • Disposal regulation for plastics

    • Establishes standards or requirements for how plastics must be disposed of, with an emphasis on reducing environmental contamination and waste leakage.
    • May set reporting, labeling, or handling protocols for municipalities, waste haulers, or manufacturers to ensure compliant disposal practices.
    • Could authorize state agencies to adopt rules, inspections, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence to disposal standards.

  • Microplastics in consumer products

    • Prohibits or restricts the sale of certain consumer products that contain microplastics or places limitations on their content.
    • May specify thresholds or categories of products affected (e.g., cosmetics, personal care products, household items) and define what constitutes a microplastic ingredient.
    • Likely outlines enforcement mechanisms, penalties for violations, and a compliance timeline for sellers and manufacturers.

  • Regulatory program and enforcement

    • Grants authority to appropriate state agencies (likely the Agency of Natural Resources or a related department) to implement, monitor, and enforce provisions.
    • Includes potential registration, reporting, or recordkeeping requirements for entities affected by the act.
    • May establish penalties, such as fines or corrective actions, for non-compliance and provide a process for disputes or exemptions.

  • Definitions and scope

    • Provides precise definitions for key terms: “plastics,” “disposal,” “microplastics,” and related terms to ensure consistent application.
    • Clarifies the scope to apply to products sold in Vermont or distributed within the state.

Who would be affected

  • Manufacturers and distributors of consumer products containing microplastics or ingredients classified as microplastics.
  • Retailers and sellers of consumer products within Vermont, who must comply with labeling, selling, and prohibition requirements.
  • Waste management entities (cities, towns, private haulers) responsible for disposal practices of plastics in accordance with the new standards.
  • State agencies responsible for enforcement, rulemaking, and compliance monitoring.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Sponsor and cross-aisle support
    • Primary sponsors include lawmakers with several co-sponsors: Joe Major, Wendy Harrison, Anne Watson, Ginny Lyons, and Becca White, indicating bipartisan interest.
  • Status
    • As of the latest action, the bill has been read 1st time and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (as of 2026-01-14), indicating early-stage consideration.
  • Next steps likely
    • Committee hearings and potential amendments.
    • Stakeholder input from industry, environmental groups, and local government.
    • If advanced, possible floor debate, passage in the Vermont Senate, and eventual reconciliation with any companion House bill (if applicable).

Notes on impact and implementation

  • The bill emphasizes environmental protection by targeting plastic disposal practices and microplastic contamination from consumer products.
  • Effective implementation would require clear administrative rules, defined product categories, and a realistic compliance timeline for businesses.
  • Potential economic and logistical effects on manufacturers, retailers, and waste management systems, balanced against environmental and public health benefits.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, business representatives, or environmental groups) or compare its provisions to existing Vermont waste and microplastics regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.